Farmers Market takes first in online contest

Bluffton’s own Farmers Market was named best in the state in an online poll sponsored by the American Farmland Trust.

“We are thrilled to be named the top market in South Carolina,” said Julie Markey, board director for the Market. “We would like to thank all our customers and fans for their support.”

The online contest, designed to test the dedication of the local market while raising awareness about the role of farmers markets in U.S.agriculture, spanned the summer to Labor Day. It included four categories according to market size, and Bluffton earned the 19 spot in the medium category.

More information about the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest, including listings of the top farmers markets by state and size category, can be found on the contest website at www.votemyfarmersmarket.org.

If you’re reading this right now, you still have more than four hours to head to Calhoun Street, where organizers hold the Market every Thursday (Thanksgiving excluded) from 2 to 7 p.m., rain or shine, sleet or hale, in sickness and in health. Sure, the award is more a measure of the local market’s commitment to local produce, but do you think Bluffton’s weekly showing is top notch? Any changes you’d like to see?

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